Improvement in whip-sockets



' FRANK ADAMS. Improvement in Whip Sockets.

Patented D-ec. 5,187l.

I AM FHOTa-LITHOPIMFH/c m M x mssnmvzs PROCESS. I

PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK ADAMS, OF MIDDLEBURY, OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT lN WHIP-SOCKETS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 121,568, dated December 5, 1871.

To all whom it may concern:

v Be it known that I, FRANK ADAMS, of Middlebury, in the county of Summit and State of Ohio, have invented a new and useful Improvement in VVhipSockets; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, which will enable others skilled in the art to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawing forming part of this specification.

My invention has for its,objeet to provide for the use of the public a device so constructed as to perform the functions of whip-sockets of the ordinary kind, and likewise be capable of securely looking or holding a whip until released by the insertion and operation of a key of suit able construction, to the end of preventing the felonious abstraction of a whip, or its accidental loss or misplacement in other ways.

In the accompanying drawing forming part of this specification, Figure 1 represents a sectional elevation of my invention, showing the key inserted to release the whip. Fig. 2 likewise represents a sectional elevation, but with the springjaws in their natural or normal position, and supporting a whip, shown in dotted lines. Fig. 3 is a cross-section taken on the line y g of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 represents the key.

I form the socket proper of a hollow metallic cylinder, A, closed at the bottom, and provided with an extension inthe form of a smaller cylinder, B, which constitutes a support for the whip. G O are jawshavingspring-shanks, which are attached to the bottom of the cylinder by a screw or other suitable means, and stand inclining slightly toward each other, so that the said jaws shall approach sufficiently to form a support for the butt of the whip when it is not desired to lock it into the cylinder. The jaws are beveled outward on the upper side, are straight on the under side, and curved or cut out on their contiguous edges, to better adapt them to conform to and hold the whip-stock. D is a hori zontal bar joining the sides of the cylinder, and arranged between the spring-shanks of the jaws to. form a rest or support for the whip when locked in the cylinder, and thereby permit the insertion of the key E through the key-hole a.

Said key is of the ordinary tubular variety, but

is of T-form, or has two radial bits or flanges, one opposite the other, to enable it to operate upon the spring-jaws simultaneously.

The operation of the device is as follows:

When the whip is frequently required for use in driving, or is in no danger of being stolen or otherwise improperly removed, it may rest in the cylinder B supported on the beveled sides of the jaws, as shown in dotted lines, Fig. 2; but, upon inconsiderable pressure, it will descend between the jaws until arrested by the bar I), as represented in dotted lines, Fig. 1. During its descent it is firmly embraced by the jaws, which finally take such firm hold as to prevent the slightest upward movement consequent upon or looking to its forcible removal. If, however, great force be applied, it may result in an engagement of the jaws with the butt-ferrule of the whip, but can have no other effect so long as the ferrule and covering of the whip do not give way, which is so difficult to accomplish as to be most unlikely to happen. Upon applying the key the jaws will be pressed outward and the whip released.

I thus provide an entirely reliable safety-holding device for whips, which is not liable to be broken, is easy of operation, and inexpensive in manufacture.

I do not deem it necessary to describe a method of attaching it to the vehicle, as t may be effected in any well-known or preferred manner. Nor do I limit myself to the use of any specified materials or exterior form of cylinder, as these may be varied to any desired or practicable extent.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, is-

1. The combination of the spring-jaws with the cylinder A, substantially in the manner and for the purpose specified.

2. The arrangement of the jaws with relation to the supplementary cylinder B, as shown and described, whereby the whip may be supported and held without being looked, as set forth.

3. The arrangement of the cross-bar transversely of the cylinder A between the springshanks of the jaws and above the key-hole, as and for the purpose hereinbefore specified.

4. The combination of the main cylinder A, the supplementary cylinder B, the spring-jaws (l O, and bar D, as set forth.

FRANK ADAMS.

Witnesses:

DAVID L. KING, FRANK W. RocKwaLL. (31) 

